Home Health Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Heritage Healthcare Services•Las Cruces, NM

About The Position

Under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist, the Occupational Therapist Assistant provides assigned occupational therapy services to patients in accordance with the established physician plan of care and applicable federal, state, and agency regulations, policies, and procedures. The role includes participating in patient assessment and implementing and evaluating the plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative, and caregivers. The assistant provides physician-ordered services, counsels and educates patients and caregivers, prepares clinical notes, communicates with physicians and other healthcare practitioners, coordinates with external agencies involved in the patient’s care, and participates in agency quality improvement and in-service training. Services must follow physician orders and be delivered with client consent. The assistant observes, records, and reports treatment reactions and changes in patient condition to appropriate personnel or the physician, and performs other related duties as directed by the Clinical Manager and/or Administrator.

Requirements

Reliable transportation and a working telephone, as required by the nature of the position.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Licensed or otherwise regulated as an occupational therapy assistant by the state in which practicing.
Graduated after successful completion of an occupational therapy assistant education program accredited by ACOTE of AOTA, or successor organizations.
Eligible to take or has successfully completed the NBCOT entry-level certification examination for occupational therapy assistants.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience as a Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant, preferably in a home health or rehabilitation setting.

Responsibilities

Participate in ongoing interdisciplinary assessment of the patient.
Implement and evaluate the plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s).
Provide services ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care.
Provide patient, caregiver, and family counseling.
Educate patients and caregivers.
Prepare clinical notes.
Communicate with physicians involved in the plan of care and other healthcare practitioners, as appropriate, regarding the current plan of care.
Coordinate with known external agencies providing care and services to the same patient.
Participate in the agency’s QAPI program.
Participate in agency-sponsored in-service training.
Provide assigned occupational therapy services in accordance with the physician plan of care and under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
Ensure services are delivered in accordance with physician orders and with client consent.
Observe, record, and report reactions to treatment and changes in patient condition to appropriate personnel and/or the physician.
Perform other related duties as directed by the Clinical Manager and/or Administrator.